While the Hangtown round of the AMA Pro Motocross series in Rancho Cordova, California, didn’t go as hoped for Team Honda HRC, there were bright spots for the squad to be happy about as they left round 2. On the one hand, Jett Lawrence saw his undefeated streak in the 450 class ended following a hard crash in moto 1, resulting in a 24-6 12th-overall finish. On the other hand, the team’s other three riders had strong showings, with Hunter Lawrence notching his second runner-up overall result in two premier-class tries.

Continuing a trend started last week in Pala, Jett and Hunter Lawrence put their CRF450RWE race machines in front out of the first turn in 450 moto 1, but shortly after, Jett came up short on a tricky downhill double and went down hard, suffering a contusion to his right thigh in the fall. Hunter assumed the lead spot and retained it until three laps from the end, when eventual moto-winner Chase Sexton got by.

While Hunter held on for second, Jett (after pausing to have his mechanic straighten his bike’s front end) attempted to come through the pack but was ultimately unable to advance to the points-paying positions.

Hunter and Jett both started moto 2 in the top six, and they sat third and fourth, respectively, after one lap. Jett was up to second seven laps in, but his battered body began to fail him just past the halfway point, resulting in lost positions. He slipped to sixth at the finish, while Hunter rode a steady race for fourth in the moto and second overall.

Jett Lawrence was the fastest 450 rider during timed qualifying, with Hunter Lawrence fifth-best. Jett Lawrence’s crash proved costly, as he dropped from the 450 title-chase lead to sixth, 24 behind the leader. Hunter Lawrence’s consistent finishes so far this season have him in second, just 8 points back.

Hunter Lawrence: “It was a tough day. Normally, downhills are a strength I can count on. We sucked on them today, if we’re being honest, but what can you do? We just have to get back to work. The beautiful thing about this sport is we get to line up again next weekend.”

Jett Lawrence: “Rough race! In moto 1, I thought I could go for a double that would give me some space, and it ended up bucking me off. I got a chunk taken out of my leg, which was not ideal. We’ll get healed up for next weekend and try to start another win streak.”